LONDON: Manager Erik ten Hag has said that Manchester United has a bright future after seeing the performances of Willy Kambwala and Kobbie Mainoo in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool.
Luis Diaz gave Liverpool the lead in the first half at Old Trafford before Bruno Fernandes levelled proceedings and 18-year-old Mainoo made it 2-1 for United in the second period. Mohamed Salah’s late penalty rescued a draw for the travelling side.
Defender Kambwala, 19, was given his second league start of the season on Sunday with Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans on the sidelines due to injury.
“I don’t think, at this short notice, they will return,” Ten Hag told reporters of Evans and Varane. “We were convinced (Kambwala) could do the job and he has done brilliant.”
He was delighted with the display of Kambwala and Mainoo.
“I am very pleased, very happy and it is another signal and message of the future of Manchester United.
“This team, the squad has high potential and if we get more players available, especially in the backline … then the future will be very good.”
United are in sixth position on the Premier League table and are likely to miss out on a place in next season’s Champions League. They travel to Bournemouth on Saturday before locking horns with Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-finals on April 21.
“It’s still positive, we have the semi-final,” said Ten Hag.
“We will keep fighting for every point and see where we are in the end.”
